UP Minister Accused Of Rape On The Run; Supreme Court Refused To Stay His Arrest

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to give a stay on the arrest of Uttar Pradesh minister from Samajwadi Party, Gayatri Prajapati, for allegedly raping and blackmailing a woman and molesting her minor daughter in 2014.

Prajapati is absconding since 27 February after an FIR against him was lodged. He had earlier approached the apex court for a stay on his arrest.

A bench of Justice AK Sikri and Justice RK Agrawal said, “It’s very unfortunate that its order for registration of FIR against Gayatri Prajapati is being given a political colour,” while denying his plea to recall the order on lodging of the FIR in the sexual assault case.

The Supreme Court asked Prajapati to go to the concerned court and gave the clarification that its order was confined to only the registration of FIR against the minister. The state police have to decide whether he is to be arrested or not, the court said.

The SC had sought the UP Police to register an FIR against Prajapati on 17 February.

Prajapati was accused of raping a woman whom he had met three years ago. She had alleged that the minister had raped her after she fell unconscious drinking a cup of tea laced with sedatives. Prajapati allegedly took her photographs and threatened to make the photos public and continued to rape her for the next two years. Even the victim’s daughter was allegedly molested by Prajapati.

Prajapati and six others were booked under the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act on 18 February.

A non-bailable warrant (NBW) has been issued against Prajapati, who is absconding. The state police are looking for him. He was last seen on 27 February. They have also issued an alert to all the airports of the country asking authorities not to let him fly out. His passport has also been temporarily revoked.

Rape Accused Ex-UP Minister Gayatri Prajapati Arrested, Sent To Jail For 14 Days

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There Is Nothing That Women Cannot Do, This Women’s Day Spread The Message Of Equality

Little did the thousands of women who stepped out on the streets of the then Russian Empire know, that their protest would become the theme for women’s rights across the world, for eternity.

It was March 8, 1917, when women textile workers in Petrograd (capital of the Russian Empire) marched for their right to vote. Since then, the day is commemorated to celebrate women worldwide.

Russia’s February Revolution Was Led by Women on the March.Independent

A century later, have we progressed?

Yes, we’ve come a long way since the first women’s rights movements, but a long road still lies ahead.

Even in 2018, women do not enjoy equal status to men in all spheres. We still hear phrases like ‘don’t run like a girl’, ‘don’t throw like a girl’ or ‘don’t dress like a girl’. The ones making the statements remain ignorant to the fact that running like a girl is the same as ‘running like a boy’ – with all your might; throwing like a girl is the same as ‘throwing like a boy’ – with all your power; and dressing like a girl is the same as ‘dressing like a boy’ – in whatever makes you comfortable.

Women have time and again proved that they can do ANYTHING, and this video by ParleG aims to showcase just this. It is time we realised that women are capable of achieving great heights because #ZiddiChhoriya never give up.

Despite the hushed talks, the demotivation and the doubts, women have worked hard to become athletes, scientists, singers, poets, writers, chefs, army persons, and what not. In fields where they were not recognised before, women are making strides. Their determination and will power are making those who questioned them, question themselves.

What is it that women cannot do? From trekking Mount Everest to making beautiful paintings? As the video correctly portrays, #ZiddiChhoriya are representing India at international stages, playing drums, leading teams, and motivating others to do the same.

It is because of these women who show immense perseverance that other women are inspired to chase their dreams.

This Women’s Day, let us salute the power of women. Let us spread awareness about equality, and lead by example.